Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I'm sure that the Prime Minister agrees with the statements made by Minister Fletcher. I'm not aware of the full context or direct quote that the senator's referring to, but I know that the Prime Minister has full confidence in relation to Minister Fletcher, his work and his statements. These projects that we committed to are all about providing additional support and assistance to Australians in terms of going about their daily lives. It's about making sure that infrastructure is there that people want. For example, I think it's important to look at what defines some of these projects. To quote:

Public transport isn't just about the train line or bus route itself. It's also about the surrounding infrastructure that makes it work for local residents.

That's why we are committing to upgrading public parking facilities at Mango Hill station and at transport hubs across the country.

Senator Watt interjecting—

I hear Senator Watt say that it's a marginal seat. Well, that quote was from the member for Grayndler. The member for Grayndler was actually making that quote when he was committing to provide funding for a commuter car park as part of the Labor Party's Commuter Car Park Program. So, those opposite spelt out the arguments as to why these are worthwhile projects; indeed, those opposite spelt out the fact that, under their model, the member for Grayndler and others were happy to wander around the country making commitments for these projects, So, yes, we are committed to deliver projects that are beneficial to people across Australia and our commitment is to get on with the delivery of those projects, as we have been doing, for the benefit of people across Australia.